Author Archives: connieinasia

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About connieinasia

I have been in the Asia region for 27 years as an English language teacher. A majority of those have been in China with the Amity Foundation , a Chinese NGO that works in all areas of development for the Chinese people. Covid stranded me in America for over 3 years, with China closing its boarders to returning teachers. In 2023, I was accepted into a new teaching role not in China but in Laos. Join me in experiencing this incredible journey into a different culture, a different language, and a different life.

From China: Sichuan Province Colleges are re-opening but under strict conditions to do so

Posted on May 9, 2020 by connieinasia

“Can we talk?” The text came at 10 a.m. my time, 11 p.m. China time,  from my best friend Cathy, a departmental head in another college in Luzhou. Absolutely!  I love talking to Cathy.  Aside from having wonderful English, she … Continue reading →

Posted in China, coronavirus, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Return to China, Smalltown American Life, Tales from Sichuan's Yangtze Rivertown, Tales of China, Travel | 1 Comment

My Mom’s Weekly Newspaper Column: Walking Observations and The Orphan Train

Posted on May 6, 2020 by connieinasia

The Orphan Train By Priscilla Wieck   Walking the Town Observations As I write this,  I am wondering whatever happened to our lovely spring weather. Temps in the low 50’s and, oh, that wind! Have any of you noticed how … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, Illinois, Visit To The States | 1 Comment

What’s it like in a Luzhou elementary school now?

Posted on May 2, 2020 by connieinasia

I have quite a few former students whom I’m often in contact with.  Many are now English teachers in their hometowns or in different cities throughout Sichuan province. During the COVID-19 lockdown, which in China took place right before the … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, coronavirus, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories, Travel, Wuhan coronavirus | Leave a comment

To my Chinese college, still awaiting my return

Posted on April 30, 2020 by connieinasia

Yesterday, I received a message from my college asking me to compile a short informational write-up for their teacher files.  This was to include a  photo headshot, description of my educational background, places I’ve taught, courses I’ve been teaching and … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Return to China, Travel, Wuhan coronavirus | 1 Comment

Earth Day, April 22, has passed but not the sentiment

Posted on April 29, 2020 by connieinasia

My mom’s column in today’s newspaper, The Marshall Advocate, is a reminder not to forget the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.  Remember to follow through with your plans on how to make the world a better place for ourselves and … Continue reading →

Posted in A Message of Faith, A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, coronavirus, Illinois, Smalltown American Life, Springtime in small town Marshall | 1 Comment

What is V-mail?

Posted on April 26, 2020 by connieinasia

As mentioned previously, I’ve been reading over my grandparents’ WW 2 letter correspondence.  My grandfather, Marvin Maris, was a chaplain in the US Army and was stationed in New Guinea.  My grandmother, Connie Maris, was living in Holland, Michigan where … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

活出愛 : Live Out Love — One of my favorite Chinese praise songs

Posted on April 25, 2020 by connieinasia

There are so many uplifting praise songs used in the Chinese church today.  Here is one of my favorites I found to share with my choir members in Luzhou.  Perhaps when I return, our praise team (seen below, last year) … Continue reading →

Posted in A Message of Faith, A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, Luzhou, Tales from Sichuan's Yangtze Rivertown, The Chinese Church, Travel | 1 Comment

Dealing with Slippage: My Mom’s April 21st “Walk with Me” Column

Posted on April 23, 2020 by connieinasia

My mom has a weekly column in my hometown paper entitled “Walk with Me.”  Her columns are insightful, touching upon topics she thinks about as she walks the dog around our small-town community. Here is her latest, involving the term … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, coronavirus, Coronovirus Situation, Illinois, Smalltown American Life, Springtime in small town Marshall, Travel, Visit To The States | 2 Comments

My Chinese Choir in Luzhou: Supportive and Concerned

Posted on April 21, 2020 by connieinasia

  As mentioned before, I am in touch with my Chinese church choir on my cell phone via WeChat, China’s equivalent of Facebook. As in America, Churches and large gathering places still continue to be closed due to COVID-19. While … Continue reading →

Posted in A Message of Faith, A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, Illinois, Luzhou, The Chinese Church, Travel | Leave a comment

A Wartime Era Revealed: Digging through my grandparents’ World War II correspondence

Posted on April 17, 2020 by connieinasia

During my extended stay in Illinois, my mom and I have continued  to prepare for her upcoming move to her smaller home, a move now delayed due to the pandemic.  We’ve been digging through rats’ nests around the house and … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to Marshall, Smalltown American Life, Visit To The States, World War 2 Letters | Leave a comment